in 2011 medicare paid $215,000 for her care, and in 2012 medicaid and medicare together paid $289,000. this year it's much less. >> 2013 so far she has had just one hospital stay, and no nursing home, obviously. that was three days long. >> if you would have known me a couple of years ago, i guess could you say you could see death all over me. >> reporter: alicia is now able to get around her apartment with the help of a walker. she and those on her care team have taken many steps to lower her medical costs while improving her health. alicia said she comes a long way since doctors told her a few years ago that they had given up on her. >> you never want to hear nothing like that. we did everything that we can. can't figure out where this infection is coming from. and if your blood pressure keeps going oh up, if you stroke out, have a seize, it's a wrap. you're about to go meet your maker. >> did you get some good stuff from the farmers market? >> reporter: for the last year alicia has been on a weight management program, and so far she has lost 100 pounds. dr. hudson also closely moni